About Dubai
Everything You Need to Know About the City That Redefined the Desert
Dubai is more than a city of skyscrapers.
It is an emirate.
It is a trading legacy.
It is desert, coastline and mountains.
It is tradition and futuristic ambition in the same frame.
Home to more than 4.2 million residents representing over 200 nationalities, Dubai has transformed from a small fishing settlement into one of the most influential destinations in the world.
But to understand Dubai properly, you need to understand its history, its people, its geography — and why it became globally famous.
History of Dubai
The History of Dubai – From Pearl Diving to Global Power
Dubai’s story did not start with oil.
It started with the sea.
Early Origins
In 1833, the Al Maktoum family established Dubai as a fishing and pearl-diving settlement along the Creek. Maritime trade quickly became the backbone of the economy.
By the early 20th century:
Around 300 dhows operated from Dubai Creek
Over 7,000 men worked in pearl diving
The majority of the male population was connected to maritime activity
Dubai thrived as a trading port between India, Persia and East Africa.
The Turning Point: Oil and Vision
Oil was discovered in 1966.
But unlike many oil-dependent economies, Dubai chose diversification early. Revenues were invested in:
Ports and logistics
Aviation infrastructure
Trade zones
Financial services
Tourism development
In 1971, Dubai became one of the founding emirates of the United Arab Emirates.
Under the leadership of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and later Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai adopted a long-term strategic vision focused on global positioning.
Modern Milestones
Key moments include:
1979 – Opening of Dubai World Trade Centre (the city’s first skyscraper)
1985 – Launch of Emirates Airline
- 1999 – Inauguration of Burj Al Arab
2010 – Inauguration of Burj Khalifa
2021 – Expo 2020 Dubai welcoming 24 million visitors
2022 – Opening of Museum of the Future
2023 – Launch of Dubai Economic Agenda 2033
Dubai’s growth was not accidental. It was planned.
Dubai Today – A City of Records and Innovation
Dubai doesn’t just build buildings.
It builds statements.
Burj Khalifa (828m) – the tallest building in the world
Dubai International Airport (DXB) – one of the busiest international airports globally, handling over 90 million passengers per year
Deep Dive Dubai – the world’s deepest swimming pool (60+ meters)
Museum of the Future – exploring how science and technology will shape the coming decades
The world’s first fully operational 3D-printed office building
And yet, despite its obsession with records, Dubai still protects its heritage.
You can visit:
Al Fahidi Fort (dating back to 1787)
Al Ahmadiya School (built in 1912)
Saruq Al-Hadid archaeological museum
Dubai balances modernity and tradition better than most cities in the world.
Geography and Location – Why Dubai Became a Global Hub
Dubai sits on the northern coastline of the UAE, along the Arabian Gulf.
It borders:
Abu Dhabi (south)
Sharjah (north-east)
Oman (south-east)
Its strategic location places it within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world’s population.
That accessibility is one of the main reasons Dubai became:
A global aviation hub
A major logistics center
A tourism powerhouse
The People of Dubai – A Multicultural Powerhouse
Dubai is one of the most international cities in the world, home to more than 200 nationalities living and working side by side.
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in business and daily life. You will also hear Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Russian, French and many other languages every day — a true reflection of Dubai’s global character.
Emiratis – The Cultural Foundation
Emiratis are the cultural heart of Dubai. Their heritage is rooted in Bedouin traditions, desert resilience, maritime trade and strong family values.
Hospitality is not a gesture here — it is a way of life. Offering Arabic coffee and dates is a deeply rooted tradition that reflects generosity and respect.
Traditional dress remains proudly worn: the kandura for men and the abaya for women.
Despite rapid modernization and global growth, Emirati identity remains strong, visible and central to the spirit of Dubai.
FAQS About Dubai
Dubai is famous for ambition.
And it backs that ambition with world records.
Architectural Records
- Burj Khalifa – Tallest building in the world (828m)
- Deep Dive Dubai – Deepest swimming pool in the world (60m+)
- World’s tallest landmark sign in Hatta
- One of the busiest international airports globally (DXB – 90+ million passengers annually)
- First fully operational 3D-printed office building
Global Events
Dubai hosted:
- Expo 2020 (first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region)
- World Bank & IMF annual meeting
- International sporting and entertainment events
Tourism and Lifestyle
Dubai is known for:
- Luxury hotels
- Desert safaris
- Beach resorts
- Shopping festivals
- Michelin-starred dining
- Safety and high service standards
But beyond records, Dubai is famous for something deeper:
Possibility.
It is a city built on the belief that scale and vision can coexist.
Dubai combines:
Ancient desert heritage
Maritime trading history
Modern innovation
Multicultural population
Strategic global connectivity
Architectural ambition
Few destinations allow you to:
Watch sunrise in the desert
Have lunch overlooking the world’s tallest tower
Kayak in the mountains of Hatta
Explore historic neighborhoods
Relax on the beach
And dine in world-class restaurants — all within the same day
Dubai is not just a stopover.
It is a destination.
Dubai enjoys a warm subtropical climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year.
Winters (November to March):
Mild
Pleasant
Ideal for outdoor activities
Summers (June to September):
Hot
Dry
Best for indoor experiences, luxury hotels and early morning excursions
If you love sunshine, you’ll love Dubai.
Dubai can be luxury-driven, but it is not exclusively expensive.
You can find:
Affordable street food
Free public beaches
Budget-friendly desert experiences
Luxury dining and 5-star resorts
Dubai is not about price — it’s about choice.
Dubai was built by traders, pearl divers and visionaries.
It grew through ambition, planning and bold leadership.
Today, it stands as one of the most dynamic cities in the world — yet it still remembers its desert roots.
If you want to understand the UAE, you must understand Dubai.
And if you want to experience Dubai properly, you need more than just photos of skyscrapers.
You need context.
History.
Landscape.
And local insight.
Yes — Dubai is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world.
Strict laws, strong governance and a high level of public order contribute to a very secure environment.
Families, solo travelers and business visitors generally report feeling extremely safe both day and night.
Not necessarily — but it depends on the type of experience you want.
Dubai is a very modern, easy-to-navigate city with excellent infrastructure, clear signage and English widely spoken. You can visit malls, beaches, Downtown and many landmarks independently without difficulty.
However, for certain experiences, having a guide (or at least booking through a trusted local operator) makes a major difference.
For example:
Desert safaris: Not all dunes are equal. The location, dune quality, sunset spot and camp selection completely change the experience.
Old Dubai & cultural districts: Understanding the history of the Creek, pearl diving and Emirati traditions adds real depth.
Hatta & remote areas: Logistics and timing matter.
Premium or private experiences: A guide allows customization and flexibility.
As explained in our blog posts, the difference in Dubai is not about “doing the activity” — it’s about choosing the right version of the activity.
You can visit Dubai without a guide.
But if you want context, better locations, fewer crowds and smarter planning, local expertise transforms the experience.
Yes — and choosing the right guide can completely transform your experience.
At MyGoDubai, we have been a trusted reference on the French- and Spanish-speaking markets for over 10 years, while also serving international travelers in English, Russian, Italian, Portuguese, Thai, Chinese and more.
We are not a single guide.
We are a multilingual team of officially licensed, professional guides who know Dubai inside out.
In Dubai, being a tour guide is not just about paying for a license. It requires official certification, training and in-depth knowledge of:
UAE history
Emirati culture and traditions
Religion and local customs
Architecture and urban development
Economic and political structure
Tourism regulations
Guides must pass exams and maintain legal authorization issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism.
Our team meets those standards — and goes beyond them.
We combine:
Legal licensing
Cultural expertise
Field experience
Multilingual communication
Local insight built over a decade
The result?
You don’t just “see” Dubai.
You understand it.
Whether you choose a private city tour, a desert experience, a cultural walk in Old Dubai or a custom itinerary, working with an experienced licensed guide ensures accuracy, safety and depth.
